Related case studies

Crack Stitching

Crack Stitching is a method of repairing and stabilising cracked masonry using HeliBars bonded into cut slots with HeliBond cementitious grout.

Masonry may move and crack as a result of movement in foundation soils, seismic activity and cyclical wet and dry, hot and cold environmental conditions. Crack stitching reintroduces structural integrity and redistributes structural loads for a quick, simple, effective and permanent solution.

HeliBarbonded into appropriate bed joints or cut slots with HeliBond grout is the solution to the problem of stabilising cracked masonry.

System Components

1. Using an appropriate power cutting tool, rake out or cut slots into the horizontal mortar beds, to a minimum of 500mm either side of the crack, to the specified depth (typically 25-35mm) and at the specified vertical spacing (typically not more than four brick courses or 340mm apart).

2. Clean out slots with blow pump and apply HeliPrimer WB or flush with water.

3. Using the CS Pointing Gun Kit, inject a bead of HeliBond to the back of the slot.

4. Using a finger trowel, or similar, push the HeliBar into the grout to obtain good coverage.

5. Insert a further bead of HeliBond over the exposed HeliBar, finishing 10-15mm from the face, and ‘iron’ into the slot using a finger trowel.

6. Make good the vertical crack with an epoxy-based weatherproof filler e.g. Crackbond TE. Repoint the mortar bed and make good.

Cracks in brick walls

Cracks in rendered walls

Cracks near corners

Cracks in block walls

Cracks in stone walls

Quick, simple, effective and permanent

More effective in brick/block masonry than simple crack injection

Suitable for all types of masonry including listed and historic structures and those with lime mortar